Amanda Brunker speaks to GENEVIEVE CARBERYabout her holiday memories
What's your earliest holiday memory?My family had a boat, and we spent every weekend and most of the summer on the Shannon. One of my earliest memories was being stuck in a canvas sail bag with only my feet hanging out. My siblings thought it was hilarious, but it was a traumatic moment.
What was your worst holiday?I had booked a holiday to the Caribbean with a guy I was going out with. Even though we had broken up by the time it came he still wanted to go. We went there with his friends for two weeks of hell. I spent the first week drunk and the second week crying to come home. I was even ringing people I knew, asking if there was any chance I could charter a plane.
What was your best holiday?I recently spent five days in New York and got married in secret. Philip and I both love New York. We got married on a private roof of the Rockefeller Center, overlooking St Patrick's Cathedral with the sun shining. For five days I lived like a rock star. You could say U2 were our wedding band, as we went to see them at Giants Stadium, and Bono dedicated a song to us. It was like being a single couple again, with no ties to worry about and no nappies. Heaven!
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?To be around good people somewhere like Spain – so with my husband, friends and kids. The dream bit is getting the grannies to come and take the kids away and look after them in the evening. I'd have a lie-on in the morning, and I'd read a couple of books, as it is such a novelty to be able to read on holidays. So a bit of me time and some sleep.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?My husband, my children, a few close friends and my mum and mother-in-law. I'd see everyone but occasionally run away somewhere on my own and come back to have dinner with them all.
What's your favourite place in Ireland?I love being beside the coast. I am a total water baby. If not in it, I like to be surrounded by it, like in Killarney, Kinsale and Galway. We are so blessed with the coastline but don't get to see it much, due to the rain. It's so impressive even in winter.
Your recommended holiday reading? My two books, Champagne Kissesand Champagne Babes, are light easy reading and a bit of fun, like myself.
Where will you go to next?Probably on a little city break to London, for Philip's birthday. I love it. It is the kind of place you can go for 24 hours of fun, shopping, a couple of bars and a nice restaurant.